The London Marathon is set to make history today as over 59,000 runners take on the world-famous 26.2-mile course through the capital. Huge crowds are expected to cheer on participants, including two fathers whose daughters tragically lost their lives in the Southport attack in July 2024.
Dads of Southport Victims Unite
Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, whose daughters Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed in the attack, have become like 'brothers' as they prepare to run together. Both ran the marathon separately last year, but this year they are side by side. Sergio said running alongside David is 'very important' to him, as he is 'like a brother'. David echoed the sentiment: 'I feel the same. I say the exact same.'
Pride of Britain Winner Matt Cox
Matt Cox, 46, a former Pride of Britain executive producer diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, hopes to complete his third London Marathon in a borrowed sports wheelchair. Flanked by his cousin, brother, sister, and stepfather, he aims to raise £100,000 for the MND Association. He said: 'My family didn’t blink when I asked them to each push me part of the way. I’ve been unlucky enough to get this disease, but I am incredibly lucky to have such a close network.'
Celebrity Runners
This year's marathon features a host of celebrities, including Arsenal footballer Tony Adams, retired Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel, pop star Alexandra Burke, comedian John Robins, McFly drummer Harry Judd, and Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie. Harry Judd is returning for another marathon, while Ben Ainslie makes his debut.
Route and Best Viewing Points
The London Marathon passes through six boroughs. Runners start at three different points, converging just before mile three in Woolwich. Key landmarks include Cutty Sark (miles 6-7), Tower Bridge (mile 12), and Canary Wharf (mile 18). The final five miles go through The Highway, Tower Hill, Victoria Embankment, and Parliament Square (mile 25), ending at The Mall. Crowds along these final stretches provide a vital boost to runners.
